By now, you must know that I enjoy pizza! I’ve reviewed Mozza and periodically have been known to go on rants about pizza and what makes a quality pie. However, it’s not just pizza that I love – it’s all Italian food. It’s something I grew up with. Some might even say I make the best lasagna ever (and by some, I mean all!).

When we dine out, we like to look for places that can become “that place.” What makes a place “that place?” It’s reliable, it’s good, it’s warm and inviting and it feels like home. Now, I’d be going out on a limb if I said that ECCO at The Camp in Costa Mesa is like my home, but it feels familiar and warm when I am there. In fact, were talking about having our rehearsal dinner there (yes, I’m back to talking about the wedding).

One of the best things about ECCO is that it takes simple dishes and makes them exceptional. Take its chicken plate. A simple chicken breast cooked in herbs, but it is phenomenal. In fact, that’s what my fiancé always gets when he goes – he knows it’s going to be good. I tend to go with a pizza – the White Pizza is my favorite and it is large enough that you can have leftovers for work the day after – bonus!

The atmosphere is awesome it’s dark, small and friendly. The staff has always been exceptional and it never feels over crowded. The rest of the menu, aside from the pizzas and chicken, is great. There are wonderful appetizers, delicious pasta dishes and to-die for desserts – try the Butterscotch Budino (yes, Mozza has it too).

Reservations are probably a safe bet, but we’ve gone without them and been just fine. If you’re there early enough take a trip around The Camp, especially to the SEED store it’s got great stuff!